Comparison of Self-Expanding Metal Stents and Urgent Surgery for Left-Sided Malignant Colonic Obstruction in Elderly Patients

Background Acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction is common in elderly patients and multiple treatment options exist. To date, the use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) in elderly patients has not been adequately described. Aims The purpose of this study was to compare mortality, avoidance of stoma, and short-term survival in elderly patients with malignant bowel obstruction treated with either colonic stenting or surgery. Methods In this retrospective review, elderly patients with acute left-sided colonic obstruction cancer underwent either insertion of a SEMS (n = 34) or primary surgery (n = 58). The two groups were compared for clinic variables, surgical procedures and outcome, acute mortality, and complications. Results Both groups were similar in terms of age, sex, tumor distribution, ASA grade, and comorbidities. The SEMS were successful placed in 91% of patients,and surgery was effective in relieving obstruction in 100% of the patients. Primary anastomosis was 79% in the SEMS group compared to 47% in the primary surgery group (P = 0.002). Secondary reanastomosis was 31% in the primary surgery group but only 3% in the SEMS surgery group (P = 0.001). Patients in the SEMS group had less 30-day mortality compared to the primary surgery group (3% vs. 19%, P = 0.03). Postoperative complications were similar. Conclusions In elderly patients with acute left-sided colonic obstruction cancer due to colorectal cancer, SEMS provide an effective and safe therapeutic option compared to emergent surgery.